Global beer production down 1.1% in 2015

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Beer production worldwide declined for a second straight year in 2015, falling 1.1% to 188.64 million kiloliters, according to a survey released Wednesday by Kirin Holdings.

In 2014, global production shrank for the first time in 30 years.

Reflecting the uncertain outlook for the global economy, the world’s top three beer-producing nations all recorded drops last year. The survey covered 171 countries and regions.

China, the world’s largest beer market, saw a second consecutive year of declines. The survey cited the economic slowdown and Beijing’s frugality campaign, as well as bad weather, as contributing factors.

In the U.S. — the No. 2 market — a growing number of younger people are shifting away from traditional beer to other alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, wine and craft beers.

Production increased in many emerging markets, including Vietnam, Thailand and India.

Vietnam, No. 10 in production in 2014, rose to eighth place, passing the U.K. Belgium’s Anheuser-Busch Inbev built a plant in that country last year.